Vandoorne undeterred by qualifying crash

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McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne did not show the least bit of discouragement after crashing out of Q2, taking away a positive outlook despite the mishap.

The Belgian had been on a charge all day, taking his FP3 from into qualifying and comfortably accessing Q2 for the first time this season.

He secured a spot in Q1 early on but hit the inside barrier at the Swimming Pool complex in the closing minutes of the second segment, ending his session on the spot.

"I think it was a very positive day for us," said the Belgian who will line up P13 tomorrow factoring in his three-place grid penalty.

"We've been building our weekend through all the practice sessions and [entered] qualifying very confident.

"I think we showed a great performance - in Q1, Q2 every time we went out there we were fifth, sixth, seventh.

"So yeah we had a good crack - unfortunately it resulted in a crash at the end of Q2, but that's what happens sometimes when you push the cars on the limit round Monaco.

"The team is going to rebuild the car - it shouldn't be a problem - and tomorrow is another day. We're going to go back out there, have fun and try our best."

Button thrilled by 'last qualifying session'

Vandoorne's run so far this year has been impacted by reliability issues and a few difficulties in settling in with the team. With regard to the latter, the 25-year-old believes he has turned a corner.

"I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with the guys as well and I think this weekend we've shown that with our performance," he said.

"Hopefully we can carry that forward - I'm feeling very positive the team is going in the right direction."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.